NEW YORK, N.Y. – University of Oregon junior Colt Lyerla has been added to the “watch list” for the 2013 John Mackey Award, presented annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end in the country.

Lyerla is one of 37 of the nation’s tight end standouts named to the initial list and one of seven players representing the Pac-12 Conference.

The Hillsboro standout was awarded honorable mention all-conference acclaim a year ago after pacing the tight ends in the Pac-12 in yards-per-catch (15.7 avg.) and sharing the league-lead among players at his position with six touchdowns. Lyerla completed last season as the Ducks’ third-leading receiver in terms of catches (25) and receiving yards (392).

The recipient of the award will be determined by a vote of the John Mackey Award selection committee. Semifinalists for the award will be announced Nov. 18, followed by the naming of finalists Nov. 25. The award will be presented as part of the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 12.